Transparency or Secrecy, is it an either/or question?

[irenicspace]

Esoteric organizations face a daunting task in the future due to the changes in society. As societal norms change, individual expectations of organizations and the individuals in the organization change. This means that members, potential members and non-members alike will look at an organization and expect it to operate in a socially known way

Comments

[ashkosis]

I'm sure John can answer this more fully than I, but I can say this. One of the docuements that is not available, if it exists, is a list of measureable goals. In organizations, this is paramount. Sure, OTO has a bunch of vague, esoteric, unmeasurable goals (i.e. "securing the Liberty of the Individual and his or her advancement in Light..."). Actually, I challenge anyone to present a public (or at least easily available to initiates) document that contains any of the following:

1) a single goal of OTO that is measurable, with guidelines for progress, and clear definitions of success.

2) a clearly defined plan for the spending goals of Grand Lodge (i.e. we are spending our money to achieve what exactly?)

3) a strategic vision that is action-based and clearly articulated, and that can result in measureable goals ("...securing the Liberty of the Individual and his or her advancement in Light..." is vague and non-measurable. More to the point, I don't think the Order does this at all. Does the Order work with lawmakers to "secure" civil liberties? Does it provide legal aid to help "secure" the liberties of those members that need it? Does it work to "secure" liberties by influencing larger social trends and attitudes? To my knowledge, I'd say no, no, and no. If I'm misunderstanding this phrase, then it is not well articulated as a strategic vision.)

4) Clear guidelines for members of local bodies defining the purpose and powers of SGIGs, as it regards local body operations and members of the MoE.